Maryland Elects Canon Cook

Friday, May 2, 2014

The Diocese of Maryland has elected the Rev. Canon Heather Cook as a bishop suffragan. Cook is canon to the ordinary in the Diocese of Easton. She was elected on the fourth ballot from a slate of four nominees.

The slate also included:

The Rev. Nancy Gossling, 61, former rector of St. James’ Church in Glastonbury, Connecticut

The Rev. Canon Victoria Sirota, 64, canon pastor and vicar of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City

Cook is the first woman to be elected bishop for the Diocese of Maryland. The election took place during the 230th Diocesan Convention, meeting May 2-3 at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City.

“I am profoundly moved that, after being ordained from the Diocese of Maryland in 1987, I am finally coming home to serve in the diocese that formed me and is in my bones,” Cook said. “With gratitude for all who have helped shape me in ministry over the years, I look forward to crossing the Bay and exploring with you the proclamation of the life-giving Good News in a way that reaches across the generations.”

The Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, bishop diocesan of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland said, “This is a glorious day for the Diocese of Maryland as we welcome Heather Cook to the diocese, and I look forward to her joining with me in our episcopal ministry.”

The Rt. Rev. Joe G. Burnett served the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland as its assistant bishop since April 1, 2011, following the retirement of the Rt. Rev. John L. Rabb. Bishop Burnett had planned to end his tenure as assistant bishop with the consecration of the new bishop suffragan in the fall of 2014, but his final day in the Maryland diocese was December 31, 2013. Bishop Burnett became interim rector of St. Columba’s Church, Washington, D.C., the next day. The search for his successor began in September 2013, following Bishop Burnett’s announced call.